Hydraulic Pump Relocation

This blog covers the final relocation of the hydraulic pump and accessories.

Overview
The decision to move the hydraulic pump to the baggage compartment was a matter of convenience and it met the factory request that the COG moves to 18% over the 16% allowable for this model. While it worked, it reduced the size of the compartment but the thought of building a battery mount through the original access hatch was not the first choice.

On the visit to the factory, this was discussed with Franco were it was explained that the relocation of the battery behind the rear of the baggage compartment was an access issue. At this point, Franco showed a new compartment opening that was twice the size now making it possible, the builder returned with a new frame and doubler's to upgrade this aircraft.

Installation
The modification was covered in a previous blog - click here

With the access created the pump/battery was relocated and covered in a previous blog - click here

The final task was to connect the hydraulic lines that were now cut short for the baggage compartment, both plastic return lines were lengthed by trimming in the seat area and adding connectors to reach the new location.

A length of 6 mm od [white] line was purchased but when the connection was tried it would not work but investigation showed that the material selected while dimensional correct it was harder, preventing it from installing correctly. 

A solution was found by heating a T fitting with one of the nipples installed and using it to heat form the flair and this allowed installation to proceed.

The final task was to trim and install the S/S lines on the pressure side and this has been covered previously. The biggest issue is the connections are rigid and can create twisting of the S/S lines, if not done carefully. With the lines installed in the seat area, a nut was fitted and the fitting installed, if found that the alignment was incorrect the nut was re-adjusted, the process repeated until correct the fitting aligned with its location on the pump with the nut nearly fully tight.

The fitting was then tightened and installed using liquid Teflon to seal the threads of the retainer nut.

All lines were secured with aluminium clamps lined with gaffer tape to help reduce chafing in service and secured using M3 S/S cap head screws

The hydraulic pump is mounted on isolators

Center tray is removable to allow access to the cable
and for inspections

Trial fit of all that stuff

Comments
This arrangement created an 18% COG while allowing the lightweight batteries to be retained, as the combined weight of the pump/batteries is equal to the factory battery of 5 kg.

The hose runs are a result of the relocations undertaken and the personal choice of the builder, done again with full access a different run may have evolved, on a positive note this location provides excellent access to the pump and fittings.